If your Medicare Advantage plan is not working as expected, you may have an opportunity to change it early in the year. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs January 1 through March 31 each year.
For 2027, that means January 1–March 31, 2027. This period is for people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage. It offers one opportunity to switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare.
Who can use this enrollment period?
You do not have to be new to your plan or have changed plans during the fall. If you are already enrolled in Medicare Advantage, you can generally use this enrollment period.
People with Original Medicare cannot use this period by itself to join Medicare Advantage or change a standalone Part D prescription drug plan. Other enrollment rights may apply based on their circumstances.
There is also a separate opportunity for certain people who join Medicare Advantage when first enrolling in Medicare: they can change coverage during their first three months with both Part A and Part B.
What changes are allowed?
During Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment, you can:
Switch to another Medicare Advantage plan, with or without prescription drug coverage.
Leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare. If you do, you can also join a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
You can make only one change using this enrollment period. Review the details before submitting an enrollment request.
When does the change take effect?
Your new coverage generally begins the first day of the month after the plan receives your request.
For example, an eligible request received February 12 would generally result in coverage starting March 1. A request received March 31 would generally result in coverage starting April 1.
Confirm the effective date so you know which plan applies to appointments and prescriptions during the transition.
How is this different from fall enrollment?
Fall Annual Enrollment runs October 15–December 7 and allows a broader range of Medicare Advantage and Part D changes. Those changes generally begin January 1.
The January–March period is more limited: it is specifically for existing Medicare Advantage members and allows one change. It does not provide a general opportunity for someone with Original Medicare to switch standalone drug plans.
What should you check before switching?
Start with the issue you want to solve. Perhaps a specialist is outside the network, a prescription costs more than expected, or frequent appointments are stretching your budget.
Then review the replacement plan as a whole:
Your exact doctors, hospitals, and practice locations.
Each prescription’s name, dosage, coverage rules, and pharmacy cost.
Copays for specialists, imaging, therapy, and hospital care.
Medical and prescription deductibles.
The medical out-of-pocket maximum.
Referral and prior authorization requirements.
Coverage for routine care when traveling.
A plan that addresses one concern may introduce another. Compare the full picture rather than one benefit.
Does returning to Original Medicare guarantee a Medicare Supplement?
No. Leaving Medicare Advantage and buying a Medicare Supplement policy, also called Medigap, involve separate rules.
Depending on your enrollment history, state law, and any guaranteed-issue or trial rights, you may have to answer health questions and could be denied a policy.
Before leaving your current plan, confirm whether you can obtain the Medigap coverage you want and coordinate its start date with Original Medicare and any standalone drug coverage.
What if you are satisfied with your plan?
You do not need to switch simply because an enrollment period is available. A review can confirm that your current coverage still fits.
If concerns arise after March 31, a qualifying Special Enrollment Period may offer another opportunity. Eligibility depends on your situation.
Get help reviewing your options
Medicare Universe helps people in Arizona, New Mexico, and California review their doctors, prescriptions, costs, and available coverage from the insurance companies we represent.
Request a no-cost Medicare plan review through the form on our website. We will follow up to arrange your consultation. There is no obligation to enroll.
Plan availability, benefits, costs, and enrollment eligibility vary. Medicare Universe is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.